ALASKA FISHERY AND FUR-SEAL INDUSTRIES, 1926 265 
several in red-salmon nets. There could not have been a large number, but it 
is deemed possible that both humpback and silver salmon are increasing in 
numbers as a result of the short commercial fishing season, which ends before 
either of these species makes its appearance in numbers in Bristol Bay. A 
closer check on this matter will be possible next year through the installation 
of a counting weir in the Kvichak River. A decided increase in the number 
of humpbacks spawning on the flats is apparent from the bureau’s inspections 
in other years and also from the reports of launch operators who have been 
navigating the river for many years. 
KUSKOKWIM RIVER 
All commercial fishing for salmon for export from Alaska was 
prohibited in the Kuskokwim River and the area off its mouth. 
Stream Guard Charles McGonagal was again stationed on the river 
during the fishing season to observe operations. No violations of 
the law or regulations were reported. Operations included only 
the salting of red salmon and the drying of chums for dog feed. 
The amounts of these products were 31 barrels of pickled reds 
and 479 tons of dried chums. There were 15 whites and 155 
natives engaged in the fishery. Apparatus in use consisted of 25 
wheels, 124 gill nets of 6.200 fathoms, and miscellaneous small boats. 
YUKON RIVER 
Fishing in Yukon River waters for export from Alaska is pro- 
hibited, but operations were carried on as usual to supply local 
needs and particularly the market for dried salmon for dog feed 
throughout the interior of Alaska. Inspector C. F. Townsend and 
one stream guard were on duty at the fishing grounds throughout 
the season. Reports indicate that the season was “unusually favorable 
for the preparation of an excellent product, and that the run of 
kings was the heaviest in years. An unusually heavy run of hump- 
backs occurred, and there was also a fair run of chums. On account 
of extremely high water, the catch of salmon on the Tanana River 
was small. 
Products of the Yukon and Tanana fisheries were as follows: 
381% barrels of pickled chums, 911% barrels pickled kings, 600 pounds 
kippered kings, 97,164 pounds dried kings, and 723,000 pounds dried 
chums. Apparatus consisted of 188 wheels, 50 gill nets of 769 
fathoms, 1 launch, and a number of small boats; 32 whites and 228 
natives were engaged in the fishery. 
KARLUK SALMON COUNT 
Counts of ascending spawning salmon were made at a weir in the 
Karluk River, located at approximately the same position as in 
preceding seasons. The weir was completed by May 14, and the 
first fish passed through on May 20. A considerable run began on 
June 2, and counting was continued through October 14, when 
2,533,412 red salmon, 5,917 kings, 15,071 humpbacks, and 18,254 
cohos had been counted through. After the 1st of October the run 
of red salmon fluctuated and appeared to be about over; but after 
orders had been given for the removal of the weir more reds appeared 
in the river, and a considerable number had not yet ascended when 
counting was discontinued. 
